Breast Implant Exchange

If you are unhappy with the shape or size of your previously-enhanced breasts, or if you experienced problems during your breast implant procedure, then a breast implant revision at DiFrancesco Plastic Surgery may be right for you. This surgery corrects problems occurring months or years after a breast augmentation procedure, and is recommended if:

• The initial procedure did not meet your goals and expectations
• Your body has changed or the appearance of your results have changed
• You experienced complications during the procedure, including implant rippling, scar tissue surrounding the implant, implant or nipple out of place, scarring, healing, breasts sagging, change in size, change in implant

Breast implant revision surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Many of our patients return to normal activity in one to two weeks and resume full activity in four to six weeks.

If you have experienced complications or unsatisfactory results with your previous breast implant surgery, a double board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. DiFrancesco can effectively revise your results or exchange your implants after a previous breast augmentation.

What is Breast Implant Exchange or Revision?

Breast implant revision and breast implant removal surgery are procedures that aim to improve on a previous breast augmentation that you underwent with either Dr. DiFrancesco or another plastic surgeon. There are many different reasons to consider these options. For example, many women simply want to change their implants for a new type, size, or shape. Others experience changes in their results over time because of factors like aging, weight gain or loss, and childbearing. Some women experience unsatisfactory results. However, others require a revisional procedure because of complications like capsular contraction or silicone implant ruptures. No matter the motivation, revisional breast surgery can refine and improve your breast augmentation results.

Candidates for Breast Implant Exchange or Revision

The best candidates for these procedures are patients who had a previous breast augmentation procedure and would like to change or revise their results. The same candidacy factors as breast augmentation apply to a revisional procedure— primarily, you should be in overall good health and able to undergo surgery. Dr. DiFrancesco can discuss the proper timeframe for a revisional procedure if your breast augmentation was recent, since you should be fully recovered and have achieved your results from the initial surgery. During a private consultation, Dr. DiFrancesco can discuss your best options for new or different implants if you wish to change them.

Breast Implant Exchange and Revision Considerations

Most commonly, Dr. DiFrancesco uses the same incision type as your initial procedure to reduce scarring visibility. There are many other factors that can be corrected or changed with a revisional procedure, including different implant placements. Additionally, the nipples and areolae can be repositioned, and a breast lift can be performed to correct sagging. Some patients benefit from liposuction in the surrounding areas to further enhance their results. There may be more than one of these techniques used to achieve your ideal results during a revisional surgery. In short, your revisional procedure will be unique to your situation, goals, and preferences.

Breast Implant Exchange or Revision Procedure

During your consultation, Dr. DiFrancesco will go over your surgical plan and make sure you understand each unique step. Each procedure is performed under general anesthesia, but you can generally return home the same day.

Breast Implant Exchange

Before your breast implant exchange, you’ll discuss with Dr. DiFrancesco your preferences for your new implants. If you’re opting for a different placement method, you’ll go over this as well. During the procedure, an incision is created following your prior incision pattern so that the previous implants can be removed. Then, the new implants are placed according to your goals and surgical plan.

Breast Implant Revision

During this procedure, Dr. DiFrancesco will use surgical techniques to refine your results and manage your existing implants. In the case of capsular contracture, the hardened scar tissue can be removed using specialized methods. Sometimes, fresh implants will be required and can be placed according to your preferences.

Breast Implant Exchange or Revision Recovery

You can expect a recovery period similar to your initial breast augmentation, and Dr. DiFrancesco will ensure you have instructions to follow. You’ll wear a surgical bra during this time and can usually return to normal activities within one week. Dr. DiFrancesco can use a long-acting nerve blocker so that you’re comfortable and experience a little discomfort for the first few days, and you’ll be prescribed medications to manage swelling. You should avoid putting pressure on your breasts or sleeping on your side so that your incisions can heal effectively. Overall, you can expect to return to your full activities within four to six weeks.

Schedule a Consultation

It can be discouraging to complete your breast augmentation only to find you don’t like the results or experienced complications. The best way to revise your results and achieve your goals is with the help of a double board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in achieving excellent breast surgery results. To get started, contact our Atlanta office by calling or filling out our online form. Dr. DiFrancesco can begin planning your customized implant exchange or breast revision during a private consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions